Camera mountable arm

ABSTRACT

A camera mountable arm includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment includes a recess extending substantially along a length of the first segment, and is configured to detachably couple to a camera. The first segment is rotatably coupled to the second segment and the second segment is rotatably coupled to the third segment. The arm is operable in a plurality of positions, including: a folded position, where the first, second, and third segments are aligned to be mutually length-wise parallel such that the second segment is enclosed within the recess along the first segment, and the first and second segments are substantially flush with the third segment; and an outstretched position, where the first and second segments are separated by a first angular displacement and the second and third segments by a second angular displacement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/054,640, filed Oct. 15, 2013, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,004,783,which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This disclosure relates to a camera system, and more specifically, to aconfigurable arm for mounting a camera.

2. Description of the Related Art

Digital cameras are increasingly used in outdoors and sportsenvironments. In order to allow for the safe use of cameras in suchenvironments, the cameras can be secured to camera mounts, which in turncan be secured to, for example, sports equipment, vehicles, or a user.Traditional camera mounts (e.g., camera housings) are designed to beattached to a user's body or to objects on the user's person or inphysical proximity to the user. In such configurations, the camera isfrequently in close physical proximity to the user, thus limiting theuser's maneuverability in handling the camera and limiting the camera'sfield of view. In some instances, when a user wishes to hold the camerawhile maintaining a minimum separation from the camera, the user maymount the camera on a rigid mounting pole. However, a rigid cameramounting pole provides the user with limited maneuverability whenhandling the camera, and often result in the pole being visible withincaptured images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which willbe more readily apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a illustrates a perspective view of a camera system, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 1 b illustrates another alternative perspective view of a camerasystem, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1 c illustrates a perspective view of a rear of the camera system,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a perspective view of a camera for use with thecamera system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 b illustrates a perspective view of a rear of a camera for usewith the camera system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a side view of a camera mountable arm in anoutstretched position, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 b illustrates a side view of the camera mountable arm in a foldedposition, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the components of the camera mountable armin a disassembled configuration, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 5 a-5 b illustrate perspective views of a tripod appendage whendeployed for use as a camera tripod, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures and the following description relate to preferredembodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that fromthe following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures andmethods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viablealternatives that may be employed without departing from the principlesof what is claimed.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted thatwherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used inthe figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figuresdepict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes ofillustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize fromthe following description that alternative embodiments of the structuresand methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing fromthe principles described herein.

Example Camera System Configuration

A camera system includes a camera and a camera housing structured to atleast partially enclose the camera. The camera comprises a camera bodyhaving a camera lens structured on a front surface of the camera body,various indicators on the front of the surface of the camera body (suchas LEDs, displays, and the like), various input mechanisms (such asbuttons, switches, and touch-screen mechanisms), and electronics (e.g.,imaging electronics, power electronics, etc.) internal to the camerabody for capturing images via the camera lens and/or performing otherfunctions. The camera housing includes a lens window structured on thefront surface of the camera housing and configured to substantiallyalign with the camera lens, and one or more indicator windows structuredon the front surface of the camera housing and configured tosubstantially align with the camera indicators.

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate various views of a camera system accordingto one example embodiment. The camera system includes, among othercomponents, a camera housing 100. In one embodiment, a first housingportion 102 includes a front face with four sides (i.e., a top side,bottom side, left side, and right side) structured to form a cavity thatreceives a camera (e.g. a still camera or video camera). In otherembodiments, the camera housing 100 may not include one or more sides orfaces. For instance, the camera housing 100 may not include a front orback face, allowing the front face and rear face of the camera to beexposed when partially enclosed by the top side, bottom side, left side,and right side of the camera housing 100.

In one embodiment, the camera housing 100 has a small form factor (e.g.,a height of approximately 4 to 6 centimeters, a width of approximately 5to 7 centimeters, and a depth of approximately 1 to 4 centimeters), andis lightweight (e.g., approximately 50 to 150 grams). The camera housing100 can be rigid (or substantially rigid) (e.g., plastic, metal,fiberglass, etc.) or pliable (or substantially pliable) (e.g., leather,vinyl, neoprene, etc.). In one embodiment, the camera housing 100 may beappropriately configured for use in various elements. For example, thecamera housing 100 may comprise a waterproof enclosure that protects acamera from water when used, for example, while surfing or scuba diving.

Portions of the camera housing 100 may include exposed areas to allow auser to manipulate buttons on the camera that are associated with thecamera functionality. Alternatively, such areas may be covered with apliable material to allow the user to manipulate the buttons through thecamera housing 100. For example, in one embodiment the top face of thecamera housing 100 includes an outer shutter button 112 structured sothat a shutter button 112 of the camera is substantially aligned withthe outer shutter button 112 when the camera is secured within thecamera housing 100. The shutter button 112 of the camera isoperationally coupled to the outer shutter button 112 so that pressingthe outer shutter button 112 allows the user to operate the camerashutter button.

In one embodiment, the front face of the camera housing 100 includes alens window 104 structured so that a lens of the camera is substantiallyaligned with the lens windows 104 when the camera is secured within thecamera housing 100. The lens window 104 can be adapted for use with aconventional lens, a wide angle lens, a flat lens, or any otherspecialized camera lens. In this embodiment, the lens window 104comprises a waterproof seal so as to maintain the waterproof aspect ofthe housing 100.

In one embodiment, the camera housing 100 includes one or more securingstructures 120 for securing the camera housing 100 to one of a varietyof mounting devices. For example, FIG. 1 a illustrates the camerahousing secured to a clip-style mount 122. In this example, the camerahousing 100 includes a first plurality of protrusions (protrusions 124as shown in FIG. 1 b), and the mount 122 includes a second plurality ofprotrusions. Each protrusion includes a hole (hole 126 as shown in FIG.1 b) at a similar location within the protrusion such that the first andsecond pluralities of protrusions can interlock in such a way that theprotrusion holes substantially align. Continuing with this example, aturnable handscrew is inserted through the aligned holes, coupling thecamera housing 100 to the mount 122 such that the camera housing canpivotally rotate relative to the mount when the turnable handscrew is ina first unlocked position, and such that the camera housing is fixed inposition relative to the mount when the turnable handscrew is in asecond locked position. In other embodiments, the camera housing 100 canbe secured to a different type of mounting structure, and can be securedto a mounting structure via a different type of coupling mechanism.

In one embodiment, the camera housing 100 includes an indicator window106 structured so that one or more camera indicators are substantiallyaligned with the indicator window 106 when the camera is secured withinthe camera housing 100. The indicator window 106 can be any shape orsize, and can be made of the same material as the remainder of thecamera housing 100, or can be made of any other material, for instance atransparent or translucent material and/or a non-reflective material.

The described housing 100 may also be adapted for a wider range ofdevices of varying shapes, sizes and dimensions besides cameras. Forexample, an expansion module may be attached to housing 100 to addexpanded features to electronic devices such as cell phones, musicplayers, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), global positioning system(“GPS”) units, or other portable electronic devices.

FIG. 1 c is a rear perspective view of camera housing 100 illustrating asecond housing portion 128, according to one example embodiment. Thesecond housing portion 128 detachably couples with the first housingportion 102 opposite the front face of the first housing portion. Thefirst housing portion 102 and second housing portion 128 arecollectively structured to enclose a camera within the cavity when thesecond housing portion 128 is secured to the first housing portion 102in a closed position.

In one embodiment, the second housing portion 128 comprises a door 130that allows the camera to be removed from the housing 100. The door 130pivots around a hinge 136 that allows the door 130 to be opened or shut.In one embodiment, a first fastening structure 138 located on the topface of the camera housing 100 detachably couples to a second fasteningstructure 140 on the door 130. The fastening structures 138, 140 securethe door 130 to the first portion 102 of the camera housing 100 in aclosed position when coupled, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In oneembodiment, the fastening structure 138 comprises a hook-shaped lateralbar and the fastening structure 140 comprises an L-shaped bar. Thefastening structure 138 can pivot upwards to allow the door 130 to closeand can then be pressed down around the fastening structure 140 to holdthe door 130 in the closed position. In different embodiments, fasteningstructures for securing the door 130 can include, for example, a buttonassembly, a buckle assembly, a clip assembly, a hook and loop assembly,a magnet assembly, a ball and catch assembly, and an adhesive assembly,or any other type of securing mechanism.

In one alternative embodiment, the hinge 136 is instead located on thetop face of the housing 100 and the fastening structures 138, 140 areinstead located on the bottom face of the housing 100. Alternatively,the hinge 136 and fastening structures 138, 140 may be located onopposite side faces of the camera housing 100.

In one embodiment, the housing 100 includes a watertight seal so thatthe housing 100 is waterproof when the door 130 is shut. For example, inone embodiment, the door 130 includes a sealing structure positioned oninterior edges of the door 130. The sealing structure provides awatertight seal between the first portion of the camera housing 102 andthe door 130 when the first securing structure 138 on the top face ofthe camera housing 100 is coupled to the second securing structure 140on the top edge of the door 130.

In one embodiment, an outer hinge structure 132 on the bottom edge ofthe second housing portion 128 detachably couples to an inner hingestructure 134 on the bottom edge of the first housing portion 102 toform the hinge 136. For example, in one embodiment, the outer hingestructure 132 comprises one or more hook-shaped protrusions structuredto securely fasten to a rod-shaped member of the inner hinge structure134. Other mechanisms for coupling the second housing portion 128 to thehousing 100 may also be used in various alternative embodiments. Inother embodiments, the second housing portion 128 may be permanentlyattached to the first housing portion 102.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a camera 200 for use with the camera systemsdescribed herein, according to one example embodiment. The camera 200 isconfigured to capture images and video, and to store captured images andvideo for subsequent display or playback. The camera 200 is adapted tofit within a camera housing, such as the housing 100 discussed above orany other housing described herein. As illustrated, the camera 200includes a lens 202 configured to receive light incident upon the lensand to direct received light onto an image sensor internal to the lens.The lens 202 is enclosed by a lens ring 204.

The camera 200 can include various indicators, including the LED lights206 and the LED display 208 shown in FIG. 2 a. When the camera 200 isenclosed within the housing 100, the LED display 208 is configured tosubstantially align with the indicator window 106, and the LED lights206 are configured to be visible through the housing 100. The camera 200can also include buttons 210 configured to allow a user of the camera tointeract with the camera, to turn the camera on, and to otherwiseconfigure the operating mode of the camera. The camera 200 can alsoinclude a microphone 212 configured to receive and record audio signalsin conjunction with recording video. The side of the camera 200 includesan I/O interface 214. Though the embodiment of FIG. 2 a illustrates theI/O interface 214 enclosed by a protective door, the I/O interface caninclude any type or number of I/O ports or mechanisms, such as USCports, HDMI ports, memory card slots, and the like.

FIG. 2 b illustrates a perspective view of a rear of a camera 200 foruse with the camera system, according to one embodiment. The camera 200includes a door 216 that covers a removable battery and batteryinterface. The door 216 can be removed via the door release mechanism218. The camera also includes an expansion pack interface 220 configuredto receive a removable expansion pack, such as a display module, anextra battery module, a wireless module, and the like. Removableexpansion packs, when coupled to the camera 200, provide additionalfunctionality to the camera via the expansion pack interface 220.

Camera Mountable Arm

Traditional camera mounts are frequently configured to attach to auser's body or to objects on the user's person (such as a back-pack).Such camera mount configurations typically allow users to operatecameras in a hands-free configuration. However, in such configurations,since the camera is attached to the user's person or to objects on theuser's person, the camera is situated in physical proximity to the user.In some instances, when using a camera, users may wish to hold andoperate the camera at a distance from themselves.

For example, in a self-capture mode where users wish to takeself-images, the users may prefer to keep a minimum separation betweenthe camera and themselves so as to optimize the size of their own imagein proportion within the overall captured image or camera field of view.Furthermore, in some embodiments, when capturing videos or still imagesof objects that are obscured from view, users may wish to have a certainrange or degree of flexibility and maneuverability in handling thecamera so as to enable them to capture images or videos of such objectsfrom a broad range of possible points of view by varying the positioningof the camera as the camera is held by the user at a distance.

Accordingly, a foldable camera mountable arm can detachably couple toand secure a camera. The camera mountable arm includes a plurality ofsegments including a first segment, a second segment, and a thirdsegment. The first segment includes a camera mount configured todetachably couple to a camera. In some embodiments, the segments areconnected by hinge joints that enable the segments to rotate relative toone another. Consequently, the arm can be configured to operate in aplurality of positions (each offering distinct or complementaryfunctionality), including an outstretched position (as explained furtherwith reference to FIG. 3 a below) and a folded position (as explainedfurther with reference to FIG. 3 b below).

FIG. 3 a illustrates a side view of a camera mountable arm 300 in anoutstretched position, according to some embodiments. In theoutstretched position, the arm 300 can function as an elongated mountingpole with a camera 316 mounted at a pole end distal from the user,thereby providing an increased range of separation between the user andthe camera 316. It should be noted that although a first outstretchedposition is illustrated in FIG. 3 a, other outstretched positions arepossible by increasing or decreasing the angular displacement betweenadjacent segments.

The camera mountable arm 300 shown in FIG. 3 a includes a plurality ofsegments including segment 302, segment 304, and segment 306. Segment302 has a camera mount 320 configured to detachably and rotatably coupleto camera 316. Segment 302 is rotatably coupled to segment 304 by ahinge mechanism 308. Similarly, segment 304 is rotatably coupled tosegment 306 by hinge mechanism 310. In the outstretched position,segments 302 and 304 are separated by a first angular displacement A1and segments 304 and 306 are separated by a second angular displacementA2.

In the outstretched position, the arm 300 forms an elongated pole withsegment 306 configured to serve as a hand grip. The camera 316, whencoupled to segment 302, is situated at a distance D from a center of thehand grip. Thus, the camera 316 has a first degree of visualaccessibility. In other words, by extending the camera 316 further awayfrom the user's person than a predefined separation Dl (as illustratedin FIG. 3 b), the arm 300 enables the camera 316 to have a point of viewfor image or video capture based at least in part on the distance D fromthe user's hand.

Furthermore, in the outstretched position, a respective field of view315 of the camera 316, measured in the embodiment of FIG. 3 a based onthe angular displacement A3 from horizontal, varies based on arespective value of the first angular displacement A1, a respectivevalue of the second angular displacement A2, an angular rotation of thecamera 316 relative to the segment 302, or a combination of the three.For example, in a first configuration (e.g., in a self-capture mode) ofthe outstretched position, the arm 300 is partially outstretched suchthat respective values of the angular displacements A1 and A2 are acuteangles (between 0° and 90°) or obtuse angles (between 90° and 180°), andsuch that the angular displacement A3 is less than 90°, allowing theuser to effectively capture self-images while holding the hand grip ofsegment 306.

On the other hand, in a second configuration of the outstretchedposition, the arm 300 is completely outstretched with segment 302,segment 304, and segment 306 being substantially collinear, such thatrespective values of the angular displacements A1 and A2 aresubstantially 180°. As a result, a separation between the user and thecamera is further increased (e.g., relative to the first configuration),enabling the capture of images from a further distance from the userthan the embodiment of FIG. 3 a.

In some embodiments, at a given distance D of camera 316 from a centerof the hand grip, the point of view and the field of view of camera 316can be further modified by orienting the camera relative to a user, forinstance to be in a forward facing orientation or a reverse facingorientation.

In some embodiments, the camera mountable arm 300 includes a rigidsupporting or bracing latch coupled between segment 304 and segment 306configured to prevent an inadvertent folding (or collapse) of segment304 toward segment 306 at the hinge mechanism 310. By preventing suchinadvertent folding of segment 304 toward segment 306, the rigidsupporting or bracing latch beneficially protects a user's hand frominjury while gripping the camera mountable arm 300.

FIG. 3 b illustrates a side view of camera mountable arm 300 in a foldedposition, according to some embodiments. In the folded position,segments 302, 304, and 306 are folded close and compactly together,thereby reducing the effective length of the arm 300 and reducing theseparation between the user and the camera to the distance Dl. Thisfolded position provides a convenient form factor that allows for easytransportation of the arm 300.

In some embodiments, segment 302 has a recess 314 extendingsubstantially along a length of segment 302. In the folded position, thesegments 302, 304, and 306 are aligned to be mutually length-wiseparallel such that segment 304 is folded into the segment 302 by beingreceived and enclosed within the recess 314 along segment 302.Furthermore, in the folded position shown in FIG. 3 b, a face of thefolded segments 302 and 304 is substantially flush with a face of thesegment 306. As a result, in the folded position, the arm 300 forms ahandle such that segments 302, 304, and 306 jointly form a hand grip.

Camera 316, when coupled to segment 302, is situated at a predefinedseparation Dl from a center of the hand grip. In other words, bypositioning camera 316 closer to the user's person, the arm 300 enablesthe camera 316 to have a second point and field of view, distinct fromthe first point and field of view illustrated in FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the components of the camera mountable arm300 in a disassembled configuration, according to some embodiments. Whenassembled into a camera mountable arm, segment 302 is rotatably coupledto segment 304 by a plurality of interlocking protrusions 410 (e.g., afirst set of fingers on segment 302 and a second mating or complementaryset of fingers on segment 304). When assembled, the plurality ofinterlocking protrusions 410 are interlocked and coupled by a removableturnscrew 308. Similarly, when the mountable arm is assembled, segment304 is rotatably coupled to segment 306 by a plurality of interlockingprotrusions 412 that are coupled by a removable turnscrew 310. Thecamera mount 320 shown in FIG. 3 a includes a plurality of interlockingprotrusions 413 on segment 302 coupled to the camera 316 or a camerahousing by a removable screw 312 (shown in FIG. 3 a). It should be notedthat in some embodiments, the camera mount 320 can directly couple tothe segment 306, allowing the segment 306 to operate as a handle for usewith the camera without the segments 302 and 304.

Furthermore, the segment 306 optionally includes a substantially hollowinterior (e.g., a hollow cavity) configured to slidably receive andenclose a tripod appendage 450. In some embodiments, the hollow interiorof segment 306, when filled with air, can be configured to be air-tight,providing buoyancy to the camera mountable arm 300 when used in water.In some embodiments, the hollow interior within segment 306, when filledwith water, provides immersability to the camera mountable arm 300within water. Such an ability to submerge the mountable arm 300 within afluid is beneficial for use in under water applications such as imagecapture during diving or snorkeling. Segments 302, 304, and 306 of themountable arm 300 and tripod appendage 450 are optionally made of awater-resistant material (e.g., plastic, polymer, and the like) to allowthe mountable arm 300 to be used in or under water without damage fromcontact with water.

FIGS. 5 a-5 b illustrate perspective views of a tripod appendage 450when deployed for use as a camera tripod, according to some embodiments.The tripod appendage 450 includes a head 510 (shown in FIG. 4) and aplurality of legs (520, 522, and 524). The legs (520, 522, and 524) ofthe tripod appendage 450 are pivotally (e.g., foldably) coupled to thehead 510 so that the tripod appendage can be operated in a plurality ofmodes, including a collapsed mode and a deployed mode, by folding thelegs inward or outward.

In the collapsed mode, the plurality of legs (520, 522, and 524) isfolded inward toward a central axis 570 of the tripod appendage 450 andthe tripod appendage 450 is configured to be slidably enclosed withinthe substantially hollow interior of segment 306 (as explained withreference to FIG. 4).

On the other hand, in a deployed mode, one or more of the plurality oflegs (520, 522, and 524) are folded outward away from the central axis570 of the tripod appendage 450 so to form a supporting tripod base onwhich camera 316 can be mounted (as illustrated in FIG. 5 b). Towardthis end, the head 510 (shown in FIG. 5 a) of the tripod appendage 450includes a removable cap 510 (also shown in FIG. 5 a), which covers orconceals a camera mount 540. In the deployed position, upon removal ofthe cap 510, the camera mount 540 couples to camera 316 by a pluralityof interlocking protrusions 530 (as illustrated in FIG. 5 b). Althoughnot illustrated, in some embodiments the tripod appendage 450 can becoupled to the base of the segment 306 such that when the tripod is inthe deployed mode, the mounting arm 300 can be extended and placed upona surface. Such a configuration allows the camera 316 to be used withoutrequiring a user to hold the mounting arm 300, allowing the user to takeadvantage of the benefits of the extended mounting arm while the arm isout of reach from the user.

Additional Configuration Considerations

Throughout this specification, some embodiments have used the expression“coupled” along with its derivatives. The term “coupled” as used hereinis not necessarily limited to two or more elements being in directphysical or electrical contact. Rather, the term “coupled” may alsoencompass two or more elements are not in direct contact with eachother, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other, or arestructured to provide a thermal conduction path between the elements.

Likewise, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof,are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus.

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elementsand components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the invention. Thisdescription should be read to include one or at least one and thesingular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meantotherwise.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciatestill additional alternative structural and functional designs asdisclosed from the principles herein. Thus, while particular embodimentsand applications have been illustrated and described, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the preciseconstruction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications,changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in theart, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methodand apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope defined in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A camera mountable arm comprising: aplurality of segments including a first segment, a second segment, and athird segment, the third segment pivotally coupled to the second segmentby a first hinge mechanism, the second segment pivotally coupled to thefirst segment by a second hinge mechanism, the first segment detachablycoupled to a camera, the first segment comprising a recess extendingsubstantially along a length of the first segment; and the armconfigured to be operable in a plurality of positions, including: afolded position, wherein the first, second, and third segments arealigned such that the second segment is received and at least partiallyenclosed within the recess along the first segment, and wherein thethird segment abuts the first segment such that an outer surface of thethird segment is substantially flush with an outer surface of the firstsegment; and an outstretched position, wherein the third and secondsegments are separated by a first angular displacement at the firsthinge mechanism and the second and first segments are separated by asecond angular displacement at the second hinge mechanism.
 2. The cameramountable arm of claim 1, wherein the third segment comprises asubstantially hollow interior configured to substantially enclose atripod appendage.
 3. The camera mountable arm of claim 2, wherein thetripod appendage comprises a head and a plurality of legs pivotallycoupled to the head, the tripod appendage configured to operate in aplurality of modes, including: a collapsed mode, in which each of theplurality of legs is folded inward toward a central axis of the tripodappendage and the tripod appendage is configured to be slidably enclosedwithin the substantially hollow interior of the third segment; and adeployed mode, in which one or more of the plurality of legs are foldedoutward away from the central axis of the tripod appendage to form asupporting tripod base.
 4. The camera mountable arm of claim 1, whereinthe first hinge mechanism comprises a turnable handscrew configured tothread between a first set of protrusions of the third segment and aninterlocking second set of protrusions of the second segment, couplingthe third segment and the second segment together such that the thirdsegment is rotatable relative to the second segment.
 5. The cameramountable arm of claim 1, wherein the camera comprising a camera mount,wherein the first segment comprises a first set of protrusions, andwherein the camera mount comprises a second set of protrusions, thefirst segment configured to couple to the camera when the first set ofprotrusions interlocks with the second set of protrusions and when aturnable handscrew is inserted within the interlocking first set ofprotrusions and second set of protrusions.
 6. A camera mountable armcomprising: a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment, thefirst segment rotatably coupled to the second segment, the secondsegment rotatably coupled to the third segment, the first segmentcomprising a length-wise recess and configured to couple to a camera;wherein the arm is configured to be operable in a plurality ofpositions, including: a folded position, wherein the first, second, andthird segments are aligned such that the second segment is received andenclosed within the recess along the first segment, and wherein thefirst segment abuts the third segment such that an outer surface of thefirst segment is substantially flush with an outer surface of the thirdsegment; and an outstretched position, wherein the first and secondsegments are separated by a first angular displacement and the secondand third segments are separated by a second angular displacement. 7.The camera mountable arm of claim 6, wherein, in the folded position:the arm forms a handle such that the first, second, and third segmentsjointly form a hand grip; and the camera, when coupled to first segment,is situated at a predefined separation from a center of the hand grip.8. The camera mountable arm of claim 7, wherein, in the outstretchedposition: the arm forms an elongated pole with the third segmentcomprising a hand grip; and the camera, when coupled to first segment,is situated farther than the predefined separation from a center of thehand grip.
 9. The camera mountable arm of claim 6, wherein the firstsegment is rotatably coupled to the second segment by a turnablehandscrew configured to thread between a first set of protrusions on thefirst segment and an interlocking second set of protrusions on thesecond segment.
 10. The camera mountable arm of claim 1, wherein thecamera mount on the first segment and the camera are coupled by aturnable handscrew configured to thread between a first set ofprotrusions on the first segment and an interlocking second set ofprotrusions on the camera.
 11. The camera mountable arm of claim 6,wherein the third segment comprises a substantially hollow interiorconfigured to substantially enclose a tripod appendage.
 12. The cameramountable arm of claim 11, wherein the tripod appendage comprises a headand a plurality of legs, pivotally coupled to the head, the tripodappendage configured to operate in a plurality of modes, including: acollapsed mode, in which each of the plurality of legs is folded inwardtoward a central axis of the tripod appendage and the tripod appendageis configured to be slidably enclosed within the substantially hollowinterior of the third segment; and a deployed mode, in which one or moreof the plurality of legs are folded outward away from the central axisof the tripod appendage to form a supporting tripod base.
 13. The cameramountable arm of claim 12, wherein: the head of the tripod appendagecomprises a removable cap, which covers a second camera mount; and inthe deployed position, upon removal of the cap, the second camera mountcouples to the camera by a fourth plurality of interlocking protrusions.14. The camera mountable arm of claim 11, wherein the first, second andthird segments of the arm and the tripod appendage are made of awater-resistant material.
 15. The camera mountable arm of claim 6,wherein the third segment has a substantially hollow interior which whenfilled with air provides buoyancy to the camera mountable arm forfloatation.
 16. The camera mountable arm of claim 6, wherein the thirdsegment has a substantially hollow interior which when filled with waterprovides immersability to the camera mountable arm.
 17. A cameramountable arm comprising: a plurality of successively coupled segmentsincluding a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment, thefirst segment comprising a recess extending substantially along a lengthof the first segment, a width of the second segment being less than awidth of the first segment and less than a width of the third segment,the first segment comprising a camera mount configured to detachablycouple to a camera by a first plurality of interlocking protrusions; andthe arm configured to be operable in a folded position, wherein thefirst, second, and third segments are aligned to be mutually length-wiseparallel such that the second segment is received and enclosed withinthe recess along the first segment, and wherein the first segment abutsthe third segment such that an outer surface of the first segment issubstantially flush with an outer surface of the third segment.
 18. Thecamera mountable arm of claim 17, wherein, in the folded position: thearm forms a handle such that the first, second, and third segmentsjointly form a hand grip; and the camera, when coupled to first segment,is situated at a predefined separation from a center of the hand grip.19. The camera mountable arm of claim 17, wherein the third segmentcomprises a substantially hollow interior configured to substantiallyenclose a tripod appendage.